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Honeymoon in Mozambique

With 1,500 miles of beaches covered with swaying palms, Mozambique seems to be a honeymooner’s dream. The Southeast African country laps up the Indian Ocean with soft sands and crystal clear waters. Bordered by South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi, Mozambique offers some of the best diving and snorkeling in all of Africa. However, it isn’t all about the beach in Mozambique. The country has plenty of nightlife, inspiring architecture and rich culture as well. Here is what you need to know if you decide to pack your sunscreen and head to Mozambique for your post-wedding getaway.

Most adventures in Mozambique begin in the capital city of Maputo. Laid back yet vibrant, Maputo features plenty of palm-lined streets and once-grand colonial buildings. With its waterside setting, Maputo entices those looking for the best nightlife in the country.

However, if you are going to honeymoon on Mozambique, you will want to get out of the city and sink your toes into its soft sands. The Bazaruto Archipelago is a good place to start. Known for its clear turquoise waters, the archipelago consists of five main islands including Bazaruto, Benguerra and Santa Carolina. Visitors will find around 1,400 square kilometers of the archipelago protected as part of the Bazaruto National Park. A trip to one of these island is sure to bring fantastic diving, snorkeling and birding opportunities.

At the same time, Mozambique isn’t all about the beaches. Travelers can find classic African scenes at Gorongosa National Park. While the national park isn’t up to the level that it once was, it has been rebuilding recently. Visitors can see impalas, sable antelopes, waterbucks, warthogs, hippos, elephants, lions and crocodiles. Many also come to Gorongosa National Park for the rich bird life. There are over 300 species of birds throughout the park. Then again, the park's landscape of savannas, woodlands, waterfalls and mountain slopes are stunning even without the wildlife.

Due to Mozambique’s long coastline, it comes as no surprise that the country is all about seafood. Seafood is often added to hearty stews, seasoned with spices or just smoked. In addition to seafood, travelers will find meals in Mozambique to be heavily influenced by European flavors. This is especially true in the capital, Maputo. Portuguese influences are apparent in the butter tarts and vinho verde or young wine. Honeymooners can also expect an abundance of tropical fruits in Mozambique such as mangoes, papayas and pineapples.

Where To Stay

If you want to experience Mozambique in its most notable form, staying on the islands is essential. Located on one of the last truly untouched beach destinations in Africa, Azura Benguerra presents Mozambique island life at its most luxurious. The property sits on an island in the middle of a protected marine preserve near mainland Mozambique. With its warm, clear waters and softer sands, the island of Benguerra proves ideal for honeymooners.

At Azura Benguerra, guests can select one of 17 private villas for their honeymoon. Each is adorned with afro-chic designs, thatched roofs and airy layouts. Couples are treated to panoramic views of the ocean and beach from their rooms. In addition to the views, each boasts its own infinity pool, butler service, air conditioning and mini bars. Some of the more luxury villas - like the Presidential Villa - feature even more indulgent amenities.

While temperatures in Mozambique are generally mild, certain times of the year are better to visit than others. May through November presents some of the country’s best weather with cooler and drier conditions. If you are more of a crowd person, you can expect the holiday seasons of Christmas, Easter and August to be particularly popular. It is best to avoid December through March as these months represent Mozambique’s rainy season.

Your Turn…

Have you visited Mozambique? Share your favorite experiences in the country with us in the comments below.

After a childhood of keeping road trips interesting around the U.S, stints in Western Europe as an angsty teen and a study abroad year in Italy in college, I decided to make traveling and writing my way of living. My travels are laced with hints of a redheaded temperament, proof that my hair color is indeed natural. SuzyGuese.com is where I solve packing predicaments, blurt out my travel secrets, rant about nomad injustices and share where the road takes me in hopes that it might take you there too.